US consumer confidence weakened in December, sliding to its lowest level since President Donald Trump rolled out sweeping tariffs earlier this year, as households grew more anxious about high prices, trade levies and job prospects, according to a survey by the Conference Board.The Conference Board said its consumer confidence index fell 3.8 points to 89.1 in December from an upwardly revised 92.9 in November, AP reported. The reading is close to the 85.7 level recorded in April, when the Trump administration introduced import taxes on key US trading partners, AP reported.

Consumers’ assessment of current economic conditions saw a sharper drop. The present situation index fell 9.5 points to 116.8, reflecting growing unease about inflation and employment conditions. Write-in responses to the survey showed that prices and inflation remained the biggest concern for consumers, alongside tariffs.Short-term expectations for income, business conditions and the labour market were little changed at 70.7, but remained well below 80 — a threshold that can signal a recession ahead. This was the 11th straight month that expectations stayed under that level.Perceptions of the job market also weakened. The share of consumers who said jobs were “plentiful” fell to 26.7% in December from 28.2% in November, while those who said jobs were “hard to get” rose to 20.8% from 20.1%.The softer sentiment follows recent labour market data showing mixed signals. Government figures released last week showed the US economy added 64,000 jobs in November after losing 105,000 jobs in October. The unemployment rate climbed to 4.6% last month, its highest level since 2021.Economists say the labour market is stuck in a “low hire, low fire” phase, as companies remain cautious amid uncertainty over tariffs and the lingering effects of high interest rates. Since March, average monthly job creation has slowed to about 35,000, down from 71,000 in the year ended March. Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell has said he suspects those figures could be revised even lower, AP reported.

Jemimah Rodrigues of India (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Delhi Capitals have named Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues as their new captain ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier League season. The announcement was made on Tuesday. Rodrigues comes into the role after an outstanding year with the Indian team.

She played a major part in India’s ICC Women’s World Cup win, producing one of the finest knocks of the tournament. In the semi-final against Australia, she scored a brilliant unbeaten 127 while chasing a record target of 339. The innings showcased her composure, confidence, and ability to perform on the biggest stage. Reacting to her appointment, Rodrigues expressed pride and gratitude. “It is an absolute honour to be named captain of the Delhi Capitals, and I am deeply grateful to the owners and the support staff for placing their faith in me to lead this team,” Rodrigues said in a release.“It has truly been a dream year for me and my family, winning the World Cup and now being entrusted with this wonderful opportunity at a franchise that has held a very special place in my heart since the very first season of the WPL,” she added. Rodrigues has been a key part of the Delhi Capitals setup since the league began. She was the franchise’s first pick at the inaugural WPL auction and has played 27 matches so far. In those games, she has scored 507 runs at a strike rate of 139.67. She has also featured in all three WPL finals. She takes over the captaincy from Meg Lanning, who was released by the franchise ahead of last month’s auction. Rodrigues said her time under Lanning’s leadership helped shape her growth as a player. “I have learned so much over the last three years and have shared some of my best moments with the Delhi Capitals. We have a strong group, and I can’t wait to get going as we look ahead to what we hope will be a very successful season, and finally cross that line that has eluded us in the last three years,” she remarked. At the international level, Rodrigues has played 113 T20Is, scoring 2,444 runs, and 59 ODIs, where she has made 1,749 runs. Delhi Capitals will begin their WPL 2026 campaign against Mumbai Indians on January 10 in Navi Mumbai.

Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Tuesday came down heavily on the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), questioning the lack of concrete measures to protect workers at construction sites in the city who are “exposed to severe pollution and health threats”.Pointing out that the right to health is a fundamental right for construction site workers too, a bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad directed MPCB to return on Wednesday with an immediate solution to ensure minimum required compliance. “You don’t take care of workers…at least give them masks.” said the bench, while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) concerning worsening air quality index (AQI) in Mumbai.

“We don’t want work or development to stop. They should comply…the lack of compliance is an outcome of simple negligence,” said the CJ orally.In similar directions to BMC, the HC asked it to “apply its mind” and return with suggestions to ensure proper compliance with its air pollution prevention guidelines.“Come back with your officers…come back with suggestions. We want a solution by tomorrow (Wednesday). Otherwise, we can’t get out of this,” the bench told senior counsel S U Kamdar representing the BMC commissioner and former advocate general Ashutosh Kumbhakoni representing MPCB. The HC further observed that earlier directions issued and undertakings given by MPCB and BMC were “more in breach than in compliance”. Kumbhakoni gave an assurance that he would return with suggestions.BMC chief Bhushan Gagrani and MPCB member-secretary Devender Singh were present in court pursuant to the HC’s summons for their personal explanation of their officers’ inaction.The HC expressed displeasure over the “so-called” monitoring of air pollution at construction sites in the city and asked the BMC commissioner if had ever stepped out of office to conduct an inspection or surprise site visits. “Once things go out of hand, then nothing will remain in your control…we have seen it in 45 years of experience,” CJ Chandrashekhar said.“Every day, take your [BMC] commissioner around the city and tell us how many sites lack compliance,” the CJ said orally. “We do not travel much, but on my way to the airport, barring one building which shows full compliance with a 35ft-high metal barricade, most other under-construction buildings lack even the minimum compliance. We feel a lot more has to be done by the BMC and MPCB.”When asked what action was taken by the BMC, Kamdar said over 400 show-cause notices were issued to developers who didn’t comply with its 2023 and 2024 guidelines, and 148 stop-work notices were issued where violations were found.Senior counsel Darius Khambata, appointed as amicus curiae (friend of court to assist in the matter to find solutions), submitted a note based on the findings by the HC-appointed four-member panel comprising advocates Karan Bhosale, Namrata Vinod, and Anand Mallya, and forest conservator Anita Patil, tasked with on-ground compliance checks.Khambata made certain suggestions and also took the bench through earlier orders, including a December 11, 2023 HC order directing BMC and MPCB to jointly inspect and immediately ensure strict compliance with rules and norms at seven big project sites mentioned in the TOI report, ‘Pollution Check at 7 sites generates heat and dust’.Senior counsel Janak Dwarkadas for NGO Vanshakti, which intervened, also made suggestions, including how a centralised collection of data from all sensors would ease the issue of fragmented information and also ensure the public has access to crucial AQI readings. Dwarkadas said there was “cosmetic, not effective monitoring” by the authorities and remarked, “Today data is the new oil. Gathering data is not something new…”Among the questions the HC asked BMC were, “When did you last review the situation on compliance with your guidelines issued in 2023? How many construction sites don’t have metal sheets of 35ft around their periphery? Give us the status starting from October. How many AQI sensors work?” When told only 895 were working but only 600 relayed data, the bench asked, “If you have data that a large number of monitors are not working, what steps did you take?”The hearing will continue on Wednesday.

Rahul Kumar (32) – murdered after he caught his wife Ruby and her lover Gaurav Kumar

MEERUT: In a case reminiscent of Meerut’s infamous “blue drum” murder, a Sambhal shoe trader was allegedly killed, chopped and dumped piece by piece by his wife and her lover, police said on Monday. Rahul Kumar, 32, was allegedly murdered after he caught his wife Ruby and her lover Gaurav Kumar, a neighbour, in a compromising position at their home in Chandausi on the night of November 17. Both accused were arrested following the gruesome crime.The brutality and execution mirrored the Meerut case, in which a woman named Muskan and her lover Sahil stabbed ex-merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput to death on March 4, then dismembered his body, packed the remains in a drum sealed with cement, and went on a holiday.Sambhal superintendent of police Krishan Kant Bishnoi said, “On Nov 18, Ruby (30), a housewife, filed a missing complaint, citing that her husband, 32, had gone missing. On Dec 15, we found a torso. The hands and legs were missing. Later, we found a polythene packet containing a human head in a drain. While examining the body parts, we saw the name ‘Rahul’ inked on the chest.”Bishnoi added: “We called Ruby for identification of the body parts, but she refused and disappeared, raising suspicion. Called for questioning, she confessed.”“In the night Rahul caught me and Gaurav in a compromising position, he threatened that he would defame me and throw me out of the house. At that moment, I told Gaurav to finish him off, and he struck Rahul on the head with an iron rod, while I hit him with a metal shoe-hammer, killing him on the spot,” Ruby said.“On Nov 18, we brought a grinder tool and cut his body into parts and put these in bags. On the same day, we hired a vehicle and dumped one bag containing the severed head and legs, along with Rahul’s mobile phone, into the Ganga at Rajghat. Later that night, we threw the other bag in a drain and burnt Rahul’s lower garment, and the blood-stained clothes of Gaurav and mine. We then hid the grinder tool in the nearby bushes.”Police said the couple had been married for 12 years and have an 11-year-old son, who told cops that their parents used to fight over a man who frequently visited their house.An FIR has been lodged under BNS section 103 (murder), 238 (causing disappearance of evidence, or giving false information), and 61 (criminal conspiracy).

Mumbai: Senior IPS officer and National Investigation Agency (NIA) chief Sadanand Date was on Monday repatriated to Maharashtra and is likely to take over as the state’s police chief once incumbent Rashmi Shukla retires on Dec 31. Date, a 1990-batch IPS officer, was appointed as the head of NIA in March last year. Date, who headed the state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and also served as joint commissioner of police (crime) and joint commissioner of police (law & order) in Mumbai, fought with 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab at Cama Hospital and was injured.

Date is widely regarded as one of the most honest IPS officers and a highly professional policeman.He is known for his initiatives and reforms to make policing effective, improving the delivery of police services, organisational development of the police, counter-terrorism, community policing, and even police welfare. Date received several commendations and awards in his three-decade-long career. He won the Mahatma Gandhi Peace and Communal Harmony award from the Minorities Commission and the Police Medal for Meritorious Services in 2007. Date also received the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry in 2009 for his role in repulsing the 26/11 attack.Officials said Date was among half a dozen top IPS officers shortlisted by the state govt for the DGP’s post. Among the shortlisted candidates, officials said they were not sure if the Centre would relieve Date since he was directly handling the crucial 2008 Mumbai blasts case mastermind Tahawwur Rana, who was extradited this year.According to the Supreme Court directive in the Prakash Singh vs Union of India matter, the DGP should have a minimum tenure of two years. Shukla was appointed as DGP in Jan 2024, just five months before her retirement, and was provided an extension till Dec 31, 2025. Once appointed, Date will have his tenure till the end of 2027. Date has worked with various central agencies and has a clean track record.

The Justice Department’s largest disclosure yet includes FBI interviews, victim accounts, emails involving Ghislaine Maxwell, and flight record allegations linked to Donald Trump.The US Department of Justice on Tuesday released nearly 30,000 pages of documents, photographs, and investigative material related to Jeffrey Epstein, marking the biggest tranche of files disclosed so far.

Alongside the release, the DOJ warned that the records include “untrue and sensationalist claims” involving President Donald Trump, though it did not specify which allegations it was referring to.Also read |Epstein files: Trump’s name appears in latest file drop; listed as passenger on 8 private jet flightsTrump addressed the partial release of the Epstein files for the first time at a press conference on Monday. He warned that the disclosure process could “ruin” reputations and said it was overshadowing his policy agenda.With the latest batch representing the most extensive release to date, the newly disclosed records show several key findings.

Epstein’s preferences: 23 was “too old”

Among the newly released documents is a grand jury interview with an unnamed FBI agent from May 2007. The agent described an allegation that Epstein recruited a 15-year-old girl to give him a topless massage.The agent said a witness had recruited other girls from among their peer group, adding: “Epstein liked girls like her, which is thin and blonde and attractive,” as quoted by the Independent.Another witness quoted in the files described Epstein as selective and highly focused on the age of the girls he allowed to work for him, adding that Epstein rejected some girls he “didn’t really like” and once dismissed a potential masseur as “too old” at 23.A handwritten note from a May 2019 interview states the financier was “asking for ID to girl, wanted make sure under 18 b/c he wasn’t believing them b/c [redacted] messed up by bringing more older girls.”

Trump referenced in alleged note

A letter allegedly written by Jeffrey Epstein to Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor who was convicted of sexual abuse, was also found.In the letter, postmarked August 13, 2019, three days after Epstein’s death in a Manhattan jail cell, Epstein allegedly wrote: “As you know by now, I have taken the ‘short route’ home.”“We shared one thing, our love and caring for young ladies and the hope they’d reach their full potential,” he added.Epstein reportedly mentioned President Donald Trump, writing, “Our president also shares our love of young, nubile girls. When a young beauty walked by he loved to ‘grab snatch,’ whereas we ended up snatching grub in the mess halls of the system.”“Life is unfair,” and signed: “Yours, J. Epstein

Maxwell’s ‘lack of remorse for her central role in procuring victims for Epstein’

A December 2020 email included in the files contains a statement from one of Jeffrey Epstein’s victims prepared for a court bail hearing involving Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former girlfriend and associate.In the statement, the victim described Maxwell’s background and behavior, saying she had “lived a life of privilege” and abused her position of power. The statement added that fleeing the country “would fit with her long history of anti-social behavior.”“I believe that she is a psychopath… She has demonstrated a complete failure to accept responsibility in any way for her actions and demonstrated a complete lack of remorse for her central role in procuring victims for Epstein.”The victim also described Maxwell’s role in the grooming process, stating that she was “both charming and manipulative with me during the grooming process.”

Victim described lasting trauma

A February 1, 2008 email written by an assistant US attorney in Florida following interviews with Epstein’s victims.“We just finished interviewing three of the girls. I wish you could have been there to see how much this has affected them,” the email reads. “One girl broke down sobbing so that we had to stop the interview twice within a 20 minute span… she said that she was having nightmares about Epstein coming after her.”

Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet 8 times

A document released is a January 7, 2020 email discussing Epstein flight records.The email states that “Donald Trump traveled on Epstein’s private jet many more times than previously has been reported (or that we were aware).”The sender and recipient are redacted, but the email is attributed to an assistant US attorney in the Southern District of New York.According to the email, Trump was “listed as a passenger on at least eight flights between 1993 and 1996,” including four flights on which Maxwell was also present. The email also states Trump traveled with Marla Maples, his daughter Tiffany, and his son Eric.It further claims that one 1993 flight listed only Epstein and Trump as passengers, while another listed Epstein, Trump, and a then-20-year-old individual whose name is redacted.

Alleged fake video of Epstein’s death

The newly released documents reportedly include a 12-second video sent to the FBI that claimed to show Jeffrey Epstein’s suicide in his New York jail cell in August 2019. The video appears to have been submitted by a member of the public who had seen it circulating online and contacted the FBI to ask whether it was authentic.Also read |DOJ releases video of Epstein committing suicide, turns out it is AI-generated

Emails link Maxwell to ‘Balmoral Summer Camp’

Newly released documents also show email correspondence involving Ghislaine Maxwell from August 2001.In one message, a person identified as “A” or “The Invisible Man” wrote: “I am up here at Balmoral Summer Camp for the Royal Family.” The email references “new inappropriate friends.”Maxwell replied: “So sorry to dissappoint [sic] you, however the truth must be told. I have only been able to find appropriate friends.”“A” later responded: “Distraught!”Jeffrey Epstein entered a plea deal with prosecutors in 2008 after the parents of a 14-year-old girl reported to Florida police that he had molested their daughter.Investigators found photographs of girls throughout his residence, and Epstein was convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor. The plea agreement allowed him to avoid a lengthy prison sentence.More than a decade later, he was charged again, accused of operating a network that exploited underage girls for sex. Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial, and his death was ruled a suicide.

Protests were held across India over killing of Hindu man in Bangladesh

Protests condemning violence against Hindus in Bangladesh across across multiple cities in India on Tuesday after a Hindu man was lynched by a mob in Mymensingh. Meanwhile, Bangladesh also witnessed unrest following the killing of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi. Diplomatic tensions rose after demonstrations near Bangladeshi missions in India prompted heightened security, detentions, and the suspension of consular services.The tensions led to India summoning the Bangladesh high commissioner after the latter had called Indian envoy earlier.

Dipu Chandra Das’ killing sparks outrage

The protests were triggered by the killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Das was allegedly beaten to death by a mob over accusations of blasphemy on December 18, after which his body was set on fire. The incident sparked outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh.

India summons Bangladesh high commissioner

India summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah on Tuesday, as reported by ANI. This came after Bangladesh Foreign Ministry had summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to convey its “grave concern” over the security of its missions

Kolkata: Police lathi-charge protesters near Bangladesh deputy high commission

Members of Bangiyo Hindu Jagran and several other Hindu organisations staged a protest near the Deputy High Commission of Bangladesh in Kolkata, condemning atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh and the killing of 27-year-old Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das. Protesters had planned to submit a deputation, but tensions escalated as large crowds gathered near the diplomatic premises.Police said a lathi charge was carried out to prevent a breach of law and order after the situation became volatile.

Mumbai and Delhi: VHP protesters detained

In Mumbai, police detained members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) during demonstrations over the same issue.Meanwhile, in the national capital, VHP members and activists from other Hindu organisations were detained near the Bangladesh High Commission after protesters pushed barricades and attempted to enter the premises. Heavy security was deployed as slogans were raised and demonstrators chanted religious slogans while being taken away in police buses.

Hyderabad: Minority safety and infiltration concerns raised

In Hyderabad’s Kothapet area, several Hindu organisations led by the VHP staged protests condemning violence against minorities in Bangladesh. Protest leaders warned of escalating agitation if concrete steps were not taken.VHP National Spokesperson Shashidhar alleged that large numbers of Bangladeshi infiltrators and Rohingyas were living in the city and urged the state government to address security concerns, warning of further action if no response followed.

Effigies burnt, anger directed at Bangladesh government

Sentiments against Bangladesh’s interim government intensified during the protests, with demonstrators burning effigies of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and the national flag of Bangladesh. Slogans condemning the Dhaka administration were raised at multiple protest sites.In response to the security situation, Bangladesh suspended consular and visa services in New Delhi and Agartala.

Dhaka: Protests over killing of Inqilab Moncho leader Osman Hadi

Meanwhile, Bangladesh witnessed its own wave of protests after Inqilab Moncho held a rally in Dhaka over the killing of its convenor and spokesperson, Sharif Osman Hadi. The group demanded justice ahead of the upcoming national election and referendum.Hadi was shot at close range on December 12 in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area and later airlifted to Singapore, where he succumbed to his injuries on December 18.

Yunus calls for peace

The chief of interim government Muhammad Yunus condemned the killing of the Hindu man while calling for peace and assuring justice. “The Office of the Chief Adviser expresses its profound sorrow over the recent killing of factory worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh and extends its deepest condolences to his family. On behalf of the government, Education Adviser Professor C R Abrar visited the family in Mymensingh on Tuesday to convey the government’s sympathy and assurance of support during this difficult time,” he said in a post on X.“The Interim Government reiterates that this killing was a heinous criminal act with no justification and no place in Bangladeshi society. Allegations, rumours, or differences of belief can never excuse violence, and no individual has the right to take the law into their own hands. The government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the rule of law. The authority to investigate alleged offences and to ensure justice through due process rests solely with the state,” he added.Further confirming the arrest of 12 individuals with connection to the killing, he said, “Law enforcement authorities have arrested 12 individuals in connection with the crime. Investigations are ongoing, and the Interim Government has directed that the case be pursued fully and without exception. Such acts of violence will be met with the full force of the law. The government remains fully committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and equal protection of all citizens, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background. It calls upon all communities, institutions, and leaders to reject violence, resist attempts to create division or unrest, and uphold restraint, humanity, and respect for the law.”Additionally, it stated that it will provide assistance to the man’s family, “The Office of the Chief Adviser confirms that financial and welfare assistance will be provided to the family of Dipu Chandra Das, and that the relevant authorities will remain in close contact with them in the coming period. The Interim Government reiterates its resolve to protect all citizens and to ensure that justice is served.”

Bangladesh government promises speedy trial

Bangladesh’s Law Adviser Asif Nazrul announced that the murder case would be transferred to the Speedy Trial Tribunal under the Speedy Trial Tribunal Act, 2002, requiring completion within 90 days of the police investigation report.Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said joint forces have arrested 10 people so far, including relatives of the prime accused, Faisal Karim Masud. Authorities said the case is being treated as a top priority.Political Fallout Ahead of Bangladesh ElectionsHadi, a prominent leader of the July uprising that led to the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, was being considered as a potential candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the February 2026 national elections.Following his death, the interim government declared a national day of mourning on December 20, even as Inqilab Moncho warned of a mass movement to oust the government if justice is not delivered.

Mumbai: Former Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) CEO S V R Srinivas has been appointed managing director of the Amaravati Growth and Infrastructure Corporation Limited (AGICL) by the Andhra Pradesh govt led by N Chandrababu Naidu. AGICL is a special purpose vehicle created for implemention of development projects in the Amaravati capital region. Srinivas retired in September this year and joined the Andhra Pradesh govt led by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Srinivas was an IAS officer of the 1991 batch of the Maharashtra cadre.Srinivas is known for his extensive work in urban infrastructure, particularly in Mumbai, handling roles like MMRDA commissioner and successfully navigating challenges like the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu) during the Covod-19 pandemic. He is known for his public engagement and delivering tangible results in the case of mega urban projects. He was also the additional municipal commissioner in the BMC and drafted the city’s master plan for roads and worked in the MSRDC.Srinivas assumed charge last week in the AP Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) building. AGICL is the third agency established by the state govt for Amaravati’s development. The APCRDA continues to function as the local planning and regulatory authority, while the Amaravati Development Corporation is responsible for infrastructure development. AGICL has been constituted to handle special and large-scale development projects in the capital city area.According to the govt order, the managing director has been assigned responsibilities that include preparing detailed development plans for special projects based on the approved master plan, implementing projects, and operating and maintaining city-level services with the approval of APCRDA.The MD has also been authorised to select developers, contractors and operators, collect development charges, lease rentals and user charges, and mobilise financial resources from the market in addition to govt funding.AGICL will be responsible for developing trunk infrastructure and providing services such as transport, power supply, water supply, solid waste management, and information and communication technology, either directly or through public-private partnership models. The corporation will also facilitate the development of social infrastructure, including healthcare, education, sports and entertainment facilities.